Spiriva Respimat® Inhaler for COPD and Asthma Maintenance

What Spiriva Respimat® Is and How It Works

Spiriva Respimat® contains tiotropium bromide, a long-acting muscarinic antagonist (LAMA). It is used as a maintenance inhaler for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and for maintenance treatment of asthma in appropriate patients. The soft-mist device delivers two inhalations once daily. It is not a rescue inhaler. People often compare options when paying the Spiriva Respimat Inhaler without insurance, and our team can help with clear pricing.

YouDrugstore is a licensed Canadian pharmacy based in Manitoba. Prescriptions are reviewed by licensed pharmacists before dispensing, and ordering is available online with friendly customer-service chat during posted office hours. We also source through licensed, vetted international partner pharmacies to provide authentic brand medicines at fair prices and a broad selection.

The active ingredient blocks M3 receptors in airway smooth muscle. This reduces cholinergic bronchoconstriction and helps keep airways open over 24 hours. The Respimat device releases a slow-moving mist, which lowers the need for strong inhalation effort compared with many propellant inhalers.

Dosage and Usage

Typical dosing is once daily, at the same time each day. Follow your prescriber’s directions and the patient leaflet that comes with the inhaler.

• COPD: Two inhalations of 2.5 mcg each once daily (total 5 mcg).
• Asthma: Two inhalations of 1.25 mcg each once daily (total 2.5 mcg).

Preparation and priming:

• Insert the cartridge into the Respimat inhaler base until it clicks into place.
• Initial priming: Point the inhaler down, turn, open, and press until a visible mist appears, then repeat three more sprays.
• If unused for more than 3 days, release one priming spray. If unused for more than 21 days, reprime until mist appears, then spray three more times.

Daily use steps:

• Turn the clear base until it clicks (half a turn).
• Open the cap and breathe out fully away from the mouthpiece.
• Seal lips around the mouthpiece without covering the air vents.
• Inhale slowly and deeply while pressing the dose button. Hold breath for 10 seconds or as long as comfortable.
• Repeat for the second puff.

Missed dose:

• Take the missed dose when remembered unless it is close to the next scheduled dose.
• Do not take extra doses to make up for a missed dose.

Storage and travel:

• Store at 15–30°C. Do not freeze. Keep the cap closed when not in use.
• Keep your inhaler dry and clean the mouthpiece with a damp cloth weekly.
• Write your cartridge insertion date on the label. Discard the inhaler three months after inserting a new cartridge or when the dose indicator reaches zero.
• When you travel, pack your inhaler in your carry-on and protect it from heat.

Benefits and Savings

Regular use improves lung function (FEV1), reduces breathlessness, and lowers the risk of COPD exacerbations. Many patients report smoother mornings and fewer symptoms through the day. The soft mist can be easier to coordinate than some aerosol inhalers. Once-daily dosing keeps routines simple.

You can expect meaningful savings when ordering from a licensed Canadian pharmacy. Typical customers save 60–80% versus common US prices, including those paying without insurance. You also get pharmacist review before dispensing and clear guidance on proper inhaler use.

Side Effects and Safety

Most people tolerate tiotropium well. Anticholinergic effects can occur. Read the medication leaflet and discuss concerns with a healthcare professional.

• Common: dry mouth, sore throat, cough, sinus irritation, headache, dizziness.
• Less common: hoarseness, constipation, nausea.
• Serious (seek urgent care): signs of narrow-angle glaucoma (eye pain, blurred vision, halos), urinary retention (painful or difficult urination), allergic reaction (rash, swelling, trouble breathing), fast heartbeat, paradoxical bronchospasm after dosing.

Do not use if allergic to tiotropium, ipratropium, or other atropine-like drugs. Use caution with narrow-angle glaucoma, urinary retention, benign prostatic hyperplasia, or severe kidney impairment. Spiriva Respimat® is not for sudden breathing problems; keep a rescue inhaler on hand if prescribed.

Onset Time

Bronchodilation begins within 30 minutes of a dose. Lung function gains build over several days. Maximum benefit often appears after 2 to 4 weeks of regular once-daily use. Continue as directed unless your prescriber changes the plan.

Compare With Alternatives

Rescue therapy: A short-acting beta-agonist is used for sudden symptoms. Many patients use Salbutamol or branded options such as Ventolin® for quick relief. Spiriva Respimat® does not replace a rescue inhaler.

Other LAMAs: Alternatives include umeclidinium (Ellipta device) and aclidinium (Pressair device). These also provide maintenance bronchodilation. Device preference, dosing, and insurance or cost factors often guide choice.

Combination therapies: If symptoms persist, clinicians may consider long-acting beta-agonists (LABAs) or ICS/LABA combinations. For those who prefer a dry powder device, Ventolin® Diskus is a rescue option; controller combinations are available in other brands not listed here.

Combination Therapy

Spiriva Respimat® is often combined with a LABA, or with an inhaled corticosteroid (ICS) plus a LABA, forming dual or triple maintenance therapy in COPD. In asthma, adding a LAMA may help patients who remain symptomatic on ICS or ICS/LABA therapy. Do not use two anticholinergic inhalers at the same time.

Patient Suitability and Cost-Saving Tips

Suitable patients include adults with COPD who need daily bronchodilation, and select patients with asthma who need add-on maintenance therapy. Those with severe kidney disease, narrow-angle glaucoma, or urinary retention need careful evaluation. During pregnancy or breastfeeding, discuss risks and benefits with a clinician.

To manage costs, compare multi-month supplies, which can lower the per-month price. Turn on reorder reminders so you do not run out. For current offers and bulk options, see our Spiriva Respimat Inhaler coupon page. Our customer-service chat can help during posted office hours.

If you want to learn more about COPD or asthma basics, visit our condition pages on Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease and Asthma. You may also appreciate these articles: Treatment And Medications For Acute And Chronic Bronchitis And Copd and What Is Asthma And How To Avoid It.

Authoritative Sources

See the manufacturer’s page for device and dosing details on Boehringer Ingelheim Spiriva Respimat. Review official Canadian information in the Health Canada Drug Product Database listing. US prescribing information is available in the FDA label and Medication Guide.

Order from YouDrugstore for Canadian pricing on brand and generic medicines, careful pharmacist review, and support from a caring team. We ship to the US with prompt, express, cold-chain shipping as required, and pack discreetly.

Disclaimer: This page provides general product information and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always follow your prescriber’s directions and the patient information that comes with your medication.